Reaching Distance

          I have been based in New York. I have been based in Los Angeles. I have been based in London.  I have visited many people in and around these cities.  Every city has its own unique energy, an energy that only the ones who live there can understand. Throughout this world, each city has its own needs. For example, in many cities, space is in demand.  But is it space that is needed or, perhaps, more importantly, is it love that is in demand?  Love has the power to make changes, and with these changes, there can be steps upward and outward, creating spaces to grow.

        So often in these cities, there are some who feel there is not enough mental room to grow.  To grow a plant or anything, well-fertilized soil should be the foundation.  For starters, in our cities, the soil has to be full of positive energy, and the crop should be one of hope and courage.

     But who has the power and is in the closest position to plant these seeds?  There are plenty of people who can help, but it is about the location and position of who can help.  On the cusp of all these cities, there are environments and communities in reaching distance. Many call them “suburbs.” Look at the word “suburb” for a brief moment. “Sub” means beneath. “Urban” often refers to a city or a heavily populated location.  In this breakdown, these places are underneath the urban environment.  Sometimes, I feel like many of these places should be the foundation for the fertile ground.  These are places that strive for positive outcomes, safety, and growth.  They are often looked upon as good places where kids can grow up safely and soundly. I feel in recent years, though, that the balance of growth and abundance has been tilted heavily to one side. Unfortunately, worry, anxiety, and fear have taken over these suburbs.  The perception of the necessity for growth has transformed itself into a preoccupation and a constant worry of not having “enough,” and this idea can be looked at as a kind of eating disorder.  As with any eating disorder, there is an internal imbalance that presents itself with the disease. This imbalance can often lead to the disorder and many other diseases.  Many lose sight of their original intentions to move into the suburbs.  It began with positive outcomes, safety, and growth.  But now, many are out of touch, and they have turned toward consumption and competition and have lost sight of the family they love or loved so dearly to make the sacrifices they made to get to the suburbs in the first place.